Andorran Councillor Pessimistic on Abortion Decriminalisation Amid Institutional Risks

### Núria Segués Questions Viability of Abortion Decriminalisation Amid Institutional Debates

Andorran councillor Núria Segués has expressed pessimism about decriminalising abortion for women, warning that failure to advance could eventually force a broader debate on the country's institutional model. In an interview, the Concòrdia representative highlighted Andorra's unique position in Europe as the only nation with a total ban on the procedure.

Segués stressed the need to decriminalise both women and medical professionals, integrating abortion into standard healthcare services. "I'm not very optimistic," she said, noting a shift since the new Pope's election and changes in the co-principate. Without progress, she anticipates public pressure to revisit foundational structures, though achieving social consensus remains uncertain. Andorra's progressive society, she added, naturally accommodates such discussions.

The interview also covered housing challenges ahead of 2027 rent defrosting. Segués voiced concerns over rising private-sector prices creating dual markets, impacting families without reference benchmarks. She linked population growth to housing pressures, arguing that while GDP rises, quality of life suffers for some amid demographic limits.

On EU association, Segués reaffirmed pro-European stance but insisted on renegotiating "red lines" in the current deal, negotiated jointly with San Marino despite differing needs. Delaying a referendum until after signing would make no sense, she said, with social support reportedly waning. Temporary work quotas face hurdles from new licences and extensions for foreign firms, complicating migration controls—set to change post-agreement.

Pensions reform stalls after three years without a draft. Segués called the current system unsustainable for future generations, favouring a hybrid model blending pay-as-you-go with private capitalisation. Delays, she suggested, stem from political costs, unlike unilateral civil servant pay changes.

Looking to 2027 elections, Concòrdia plans solo national lists but territory-specific alliances based on a national project opposing DA, Liberals, Acció, and CC models. No national pact with Rosa Gili is envisioned.

### Rosa Maria Mandicó Elected to Lead European Ex-Parliamentarians Association

In unrelated political news, former Andorran MP and GESCO member Rosa Maria Mandicó has been elected president of the European Association of Former Parliamentarians from Council of Europe states. The vote occurred Friday in Paris, backed unanimously by 19 national associations, with her two-year term beginning immediately.

A nurse by training, Mandicó served as hospital nursing chief, education minister, health director, and Canillo councillor. Nominated by GESCO—Andorra's national ex-MPs group, a member since 2012—she views the role as recognition for the organisation rather than personal merit. "We said, 'Okay, let's jump in the pool and go for it,'" she recounted.

The apolitical body, now spanning 22 countries and soon expanding to 24-25 including Denmark, Iceland, and Ukraine, promotes democratic values through seminars and declarations sent to bodies like the Council of Europe and European Parliament. Priorities include recovering eastern members to reach all 46 Council states.

Mandicó outlined five work axes, starting with membership growth. Andorra will host a May council-seminar on artificial intelligence's impact on democracy—pros, cons, and risks—plus the 2026 general assembly. Upcoming events feature a Sicily colloquium in October and Brussels assembly. Bureau meetings will be mostly virtual.

As ex-parliamentarians, members question trends like falling election turnout. "We wonder if democracy is in danger," Mandicó said, emphasising experience-sharing over active politics. The presidency continues existing efforts realistically, she added.